Dorene Cain Bates, at age 82, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 23, 2025, at Ayers Nursing Home in Trenton, where she had been a resident since 2019.

Dorene was raised on the family farm in Gilchrist County, Florida, and graduated from Lafayette County High School. She was blessed with 59 years of marriage to the love of her life, Tony A. Bates, before his passing in 2018. The couple moved to Branford, Florida, and here is where they decided to start their family.

She was a mother to five children, Tammy Coleman (Kevin) – Newberry, FL, Paula Bates – Perry, FL, Tony "Rowdy" Bates Jr. – Branford, FL, Garner "Randall" Bates (Brenda) – Branford, FL, Janet Bates Hygema– Branford, FL

She was known as "Nene" to nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, with number ten on the way.

She dedicated more than 30 years of hard work to the GE/Eveready Battery Plant in Alachua, Florida. A woman of Baptist faith, Dorene was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Branford until her move to Ayers.

Dorene was known for her strong work ethic, which she instilled in all her children, and for her gift of gab—she never met a stranger. She loved being outdoors, tending to her flowers and plants, and had a special gift for bringing life back to anything that grew. She also enjoyed "riding the roads," simply taking in the world around her, and striking up conversations wherever she went.

In her final days, Dorene found peace in her faith and comfort in knowing she would be reunited with her beloved Tony. She tenderly shared that she could see him "waiting at the gate" for her, ready to welcome her home.

Her memory will be forever cherished by her family, her friends, and all who knew her.

John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that everyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

There will be a visitation held September 26,2025 at Daniels Funeral Home in Branford, Florida from 5:00-7:00 pm

Please sign the online guestbook and keep the family in your prayers.